Rensselaer Republican, Volume 16, Number 16, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 December 1883 — Hardy Ferns. [ARTICLE]

Hardy Ferns.

One frequently hears the remark made that plants do not succeed in certain gardens, but on inquiry it generally turns out that iho plants selected have not been suited to the positions they occupy. Although some plants delight in abundant sunlight, others are equally at home in deep shade, and it is only by observation as to what conditions are most favorable for certain plants, and selecting them accordingly that success can be achieved- In this locality, wherever the situation is open to sunshine, bright-flowering plants are the favorites, and thus many of our gardens are kept gay nearly the whole year round, the latest Chrysanthemums not being long removed before early-flowering bulbs and many other plants are in btdssom. But all gardens cannot have full south aspects, and it is refreshing on bright summer days to find instead of summer bedding plants gardens in shady places tilled with the verdant foliage of hardy Ferns and of other plants that dislike sunshine. "When well established it is surprising how effective even the cOiatndtiest of our native Ferns are planted in shade, and how beautiful they make many an otherwise uninteresting corner look; even little borders by hard-paved yards or ground beneath large trees where nothing else will grow may be made cheerful by mean's of Ferns. Get together a few of the largest and roughest stones that can l>e obtained, and a load or two of good soil; -make irregular mounds here and there, and pn these plant the Ferns. Intermix with them a few dwarf trailing plants, keep them well watered, and they will soon produce a striking effect.— J. G.